U.S. Air Force Outlines Future Spending,Aircraft Needs

U.S. Air Force Outlines Future Spending,Aircraft Needs
The demand for F-35 is still there, but the USAF also has other aircraft it is interested in
Congress has mandated the U.S. Air Force draft the "Aircraft Investment Plan" that outlines aircraft purchase goals from 2021 to 2040.

The USAF wants to spend between $2 billion to $4 billion per year in long-range bomber aircraft from 2011 to 2020. It's unknown if the next-generation bomber will be able to fly at supersonic speeds, but it's possible an unmanned long-range bomber will be created.

The USAF will upgrade its 180 fighter F-22 Raptor fleet using $1.9 billion in funding, with retirement expected in 15 years. Over the next eight years, expect additional MQ-9 Reapers to be developed, though an expected 372 are expected for purchase.

The USAF will reportedly spend upwards of $70 billion on 602 F-35 Lightning II fighter aircraft over the next 10 years with an estimated total fleet of 1,763 F-35 jets. Specifically, the Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps all face budget issues and an unclear future of the F-35, as actual demand for the expensive aircraft remains unknown.

As the Air Force continues to have problems with F-35, additional mobility is a bigger interest.

The F-35 was expected to become the U.S. military's next major fighter aircraft, but the program is over budget and has been delayed. Testing has been pushed back at least one year, with Deputy Defense Secretary Bill Lynn and other military officials seeking to put more pressure on Lockheed Martin.

As has become custom with recent spending plans, the total dollar figure invested and number of aircraft purchased can and will change at any time.